embarrassed to be seen exercising

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
embarrassed to be seen exercising
7
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 5:16pm

Well, I don't have 100 pounds to lose (more like 80 or so), but I don't know who to ask about this. I am very self conscious anyway, and in our fitness-centric culture it seems like exercise and fitness are geared toward people who are already in shape. I have a hard time even finding workout clothes in my size (20-22), and I get really intimidated in stores. I'm too embarrassed to go to a gym because I feel like I should be in better shape and that people are judging me. Even walking around my neighborhood is hard--I don't want to be seen as that fat girl huffing and puffing to get up a hill. Are there ways I can ease my embarrassment? I know I need to start exercising.


Laura


Edited to add: I forgot to mention that I live in a small apartment that doesn't have room for any exercise equipment or to do an exercise video. I'm sure most of this is all in my head--I tend to be really hard on myself.



Mad Men siggie



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 5:27pm
What about exercising indoors? Do you have a DVD player or VCR? There are tons of great workouts aailable. (I'm particular to Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds) If money is a concern you can usually borrow lots of different titles from a public library. I also have a treadmill that cost less than $200 and I do between 12 - 15 miles a week on that sucker. If you really want to exercise you have to find a way to just get started and not let excuses get in your way. I think you'd be surprised by how supportive people in your neighborhood or at a gym would be. Good luck, Annie
A
Avatar for trulyme72
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-06-2003
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 6:31pm

Hi Laura,

I've had the same problem. I was always the one who said that I wouldn't join a gym until I was skinny. I can't stand for anyone to see me jumping around. This stems from the days of gym class where every single gym teacher had to make my life a living hell. Anyway, what helped me was I would dance. Dancing is fun with the right music and you can do it all over your house, even while doing the dishes. I can get so self conscious that I can only dance in my apartment at night with the lights off. (I live by myself) Anyway, someone else said a treadmill. I just bought one of those. But keep in mind, you get what you pay for with those things. I bought a $600 one that was broken when they delivered it. So I sent it back and bought one twice the price with a really good warranty and heavy duty (Cause, I'm no light weight!) Mine is a Sole f63 (I think)

Exercise videos are a good idea too, though my Tae bo tapes have been collecting dust for the better part of 4 years. Is there somewhere to walk where you live? Where I am, there is the lake (for the fit types because it's about 3 miles around) and the marina, which has a mile long para course. I always like to go early in the morning because there aren't as many people around. Mall walking is fun. Park at one end of the mall, walk all the way to the other end, turn around and walk back to your car. And you can window shop at the same time! Oh, and Curves. I hate bouncing around in front of people, but it's oddly comfortable there because I wasn't the only bouncy one. I lost quite a few inches there but I use to go before work and I'm so not a morning person.

But with all that said, I would like to add that at the gym, everyone is there for the same reason. They are huffing and puffing trying to get in to shape just like you and me, so most likely, they are too busy concentrating on themselves than to pay attention to what we are doing.

Hope this helps!

Trina

BTW: exercise clothes; you should try Avenue.com. I get my track pants there and they are pretty comfortable.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-2006
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 6:36pm

Well, I've been there where you are, and still don't like to be seen exercising.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2003
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 6:54pm

turn up some music and in the privacy of your own home dance. no one has to see you. exercise is crucial to any weight loss program. start with maybe 5 min a day and work up to 30 min daily. (when i started i was able to walk 5 min and i did slowly work up to an hour)
as you lose you will find you can do more and more and start to feel refreshed and will gain confidence and be able to go out walking and doing whatever exercise program you want.
remember every journey starts with one baby step. You can do it.
Keep us posted

Sue
302/138/160

Sue

 

 

<

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2006
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 7:06pm

I've felt the same way many, many times. I still feel self-conscious whenever I'm out walking. The only thing you can do is decide to concentrate on the big picture. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, by getting out there and walking or going to gym, you're taking charge of your life and your health and that is all that really matters. Just remember that the more you get out there and exercise, the more likely you are to lose the weight and keep it off. A healthy diet is a great start, but exercise is a necessity to lose a lot of weight.

((((Hugs))))
Kaelynn

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2006
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 7:24pm

Hi Laura,
I can certainly relate to being embarrassed about working out in public. That is why you won't find me doing it! LOL The girls gave you some fabulous advice already about trying to workout inside your apt. I also live in an apt. and don't have oodles of room. I do love doing the Leslie Sansone workouts..they don't require loads of room and they really are a great workout to do. Dancing is another option like was mentioned earlier... you can Flashdance your way down the scale! :D

Like you mentioned, it's probably in your head. More than likely it is. At least that what my husband keeps trying to tell me!! lol If you really must go out to get that workout in, just go for it sweetie. It's nobody's business what you do. As far as workout wear, I'm not sure where you live but at Walmart they have loads of the Just my size stuff that is really quite cute and not too spendy. You always have online ordering as an option as well.

I wish you nothing but success Laura, you are worth the battle so never give up. Remember your goals and why you want them.

♥danielle

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2006
Wed, 09-27-2006 - 1:02am

I understand how you feel.